Operation console with enhanced configuration of operation buttons for command inputs, and electronic device and image processing apparatus provided with the operation console

ABSTRACT

An operation console used in relation to an apparatus as an object of control operated by a user operation includes: a display device having a display area for displaying information to the user; an input device for the user to input a request; and a display control device displaying, if a request for displaying specific information on said display device is input through the input device, the specific information on the display device. The input device includes a plurality of operation buttons for inputting a plurality of requests, corresponding to respective requests, arranged in the vicinity of the display area. Among the plurality of operation buttons, an operation button corresponding to the request for displaying the specific information is provided closest to the display device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/685,939 filed onApr. 14, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/022,728 filed on Feb. 8, 2011, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(a) on Patent Application 2010-033290 filed in Japan on Feb. 18,2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an operation console including adisplay unit for displaying information to a user. More specifically,the present invention relates to an operation console allowing the userto accurately select and operate an operation button for displaying aspecific screen image (operational mode selecting screen image) on thedisplay unit, from among a plurality of operation buttons arranged inthe vicinity of the display unit. The present invention also relates toan electronic device and an image forming apparatus provided with suchan operation console.

Description of the Background Art

As one type of image processing apparatuses as electronic equipment,image forming apparatuses forming images on recording paper (typically,copy machines) are introduced to many places of business (companies andoffices). In such a place of business, it has become increasingly commonto connect an image forming apparatus having a printer function or acopy function to a network, to allow use (sharing) by a plurality ofusers. A multifunction peripheral (MFP) as one type of such imageforming apparatuses has a plurality of basic operational modes such as acopy mode, a facsimile mode (hereinafter “facsimile” may also be denotedas FAX or fax), a network-supported printer mode and a scanner mode. Insuch an image forming apparatus, each user selects an operational modeand selects and sets a function of duplex (two-sided) printing orcollective printing (such as 2-in-1 by which two pages of an originaldocument are printed on one sheet, or 4-in-1 by which four pages of anoriginal document are printed on one sheet), whereby images are formedon sheets of paper in a desired manner. Appropriate combinations ofthese functions come to be more frequently used.

When a user uses such an image forming apparatus, for example, the userinputs image data in the scanner mode, performs image processing (suchas collection) by inputting various instructions through an operationpanel, and prints the results on a sheet of recording paper. In such asituation, the operation panel, serving as an operation and displayunit, functions as an interface between the image forming apparatus andthe user. Generally, on the operation panel, a screen image for settingfunctions in each operational mode is displayed, so that the user caneasily set various functions. Further, while a job is being executed,job progress status may be displayed, to allow the user to easily graspthe progress status of the job. In the printer mode executed uponreception of data from an external device, the job progress status maybe displayed on the operation panel in accordance with the data receivedfrom the external device as a source.

Recently, a touch-panel display having a touch-panel formed on a liquidcrystal panel (display panel) comes to be increasingly used as such anoperation panel. By way of example, items (software buttons) allowingselection of a mode of the image forming apparatus are displayed on thetouch-panel display, the user viewing the display presses a position ofan item displayed on the touch-panel display (presses a softwarebutton), and the operational mode is set.

Such a touch-panel display having both the display and operationfunctions is advantageous in that it eliminates the necessity ofproviding a display unit and an operation unit separately. Further, itattracts attention recently since a command can be selectedadvantageously in accordance with the user's sense, when it is adaptedsuch that a command can be selected in accordance with a trajectory ofpressing of the touch-panel display by the user's finger. Examples ofsuch command selection using finger trajectory include the following.

When a plurality of pages are displayed on the touch-panel display asprint previews, the following operations may be performed. By a useroperation of lightly tapping twice (hereinafter also referred to asdouble-tapping) a position of a certain page displayed as a preview, acommand to display the page in an enlarged or reduced size can beselected. By a user operation trajectory of expanding a space betweentwo fingers (hereinafter also referred to as pinch-out or pinch-open), acommand to display the page in an enlarged size can be selected, and bya user operation trajectory of reducing a space between the two fingers(hereinafter also referred to as pinch-in or pinch-close), a command todisplay the page in a reduced size can be selected. In the following,these operations are denoted as gesture operations. The gestureoperations are not limited to the above, and may include: tapping, orlightly touching an item displayed on the touch-panel display; dragging,or sliding an item with a finger; flicking, or lightly sweeping an itemto scroll; and pinching with two fingers. It is noted that, strictlyspeaking, (different from other gesture operations) tapping anddouble-tapping are not determined by detecting the user operationtrajectory on the touch-panel display. These are determined not by thetrajectory but by detection of a position. Considering the relation toother gesture operations, in the present specification, the gestureoperation generally refers to an operation for detecting a user requestbased on the operation trajectory of the user to the touch-paneldisplay, including tapping and double tapping.

Further, in the present specification, an operation other than thegesture operations as such will be described as a touch operation. Thetouch operation means an operation of detecting a user's request basedon the position of operation by the user on the touch-panel. Arepresentative example of the touch operation is an operation of theuser pressing a position of an item (pressing a software button)displayed on the touch-panel display.

In an MFP provided with a touch-panel display allowing both touchoperation and gesture operation, many pieces of information intended forthe user are displayed on the touch-panel display. Such an MFP has aplurality of operational modes as described above, and the user selectsan operational mode. An operational mode may be selected by pressing asoftware button displayed on the touch-panel display, or by pressing ahardware button.

By way of example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-201585(hereinafter referred to as '585 Reference) discloses an operation paneldevice intended for improving operability by preventing operation errorof any user. The operation panel device has a display unit on which anoperation screen image can be displayed. The display unit of operationpanel device provides color displays of a plurality of operation menuscreen images, with background colors made different from each other.

In the operation panel device, the display unit is capable of colordisplay of a plurality of operation menu screen images of respectiveoperation menus, with background colors made different from each other.The user, noticing the background color of the operation menu screenimage color-displayed on the display unit, can intuitively grasp theoperation menu corresponding to the operation menu screen image. Nomatter who the user is, operation error in selecting the operation menucan be reduced, and improved operability can be attained. In FIG. 1 of'585 Reference, a group of function switching keys including four keysto switch among the copy function, printer function, scanner functionand facsimile function is arranged as software buttons, aligned on theright side of the touch-panel display.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-308831 (hereinafter referred to as'831 Reference) discloses an image forming apparatus including aplurality of processing functions (copy function, facsimile function,scanner function, electronic mail function, etc.), that improves useroperability by controlling screen image transitions.

The image forming apparatus includes: a display unit, displaying a menuscreen image allowing selection of any of the plurality of processingfunctions, or a function instruction screen image allowing execution ofa processing function; an operation unit, receiving a user operationrelated to the selected processing function, based on the screen imagedisplayed on the display unit; a detection unit detecting absence of anyoperation, related to the selected processing function, on the operationunit for a prescribed time period; and a control unit, returning, if itis detected by the detecting unit that no operation is done for theprescribed time period, the screen image on the display unit to aninitial display of the function instruction screen image related to theselected processing function.

The image forming apparatus is controlled such that, if no operation isdone by the operation unit for a prescribed time period, the detectingunit detects the absence of operation, the function instruction screenimage related to the processing function displayed on the display unitis reset, and the display is returned to the initial screen image of thefunction instruction screen image. Therefore, as an automatic resetprocess that takes place after the lapse of the prescribed time period,the initial screen image corresponding to the function that has beenselected immediately before is resumed. Therefore, when the user is toproceed to the next process, the process function can readily beexecuted. FIG. 3(a) of '831 Reference shows software buttons forswitching among the copy function, scanner function and facsimilefunction, on the touch-panel display.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various electronic devices as represented by the image forming apparatusand an image processing apparatus include a touch-panel display as adisplay device. As disclosed in the references described above, variouspieces of information are displayed on the touch-panel display. Theimage forming apparatus as one of such electronic devices has aplurality of functional modes or process functions (operational modes).When a user selects an operational mode, an initial screen imagecorresponding to the selected operational mode is displayed on thetouch-panel display.

In the operation panel device disclosed in '585 Reference, theoperational mode is selected using a hardware button. In the operationpanel device as such, it is necessary to provide hardware buttons atleast same in number to the types of operational modes. The operationpanel device disclosed in '585 Reference is provided with a large numberof hardware buttons including ten keys, a start key and a reset key, inaddition to the operational mode selecting buttons corresponding to thefour different operational modes. Therefore, a user may be confused indetermining which hardware button is to be pressed for selecting anoperational mode. Further, in the operation panel device disclosed in'585 Reference, four keys for switching among the copy function, printerfunction, scanner function and facsimile function are arranged alignedon the right side of touch-panel display. Such arrangement is not veryeasily viewable to the user, possibly leading to an error of selectingan operational mode.

Buttons for selecting operational modes come to be implemented bysoftware buttons displayed on the touch-panel display, rather than thehardware buttons. Software buttons are preferred since the arrangementand shape (size) can easily be changed. By way of example, it is easy todisplay the software button in a larger size or in different color to bemore easily noticeable by the user. In the image forming apparatusdisclosed in '831 Reference, software buttons for switching operationalmodes are displayed on the touch-panel display.

However, '831 Reference does not sufficiently disclose the useroperation for making a transition to the menu screen image allowingselection of an operational mode. What is disclosed in '831 Reference issimply that transition to the auto reset mode occurs in the absence ofany operation for a prescribed time period after selection of anoperational mode, and that the screen image after transition to the autoreset mode may be set either to the menu screen image or to the initialscreen image of the selected operational mode.

Such a configuration may lead to the following problem. Assume that theuser selects the copy mode as the operational mode, and is makingvarious settings of the copy mode on the initial screen image of thecopy mode. Here, it is often the case that the user has difficulty inoperation and wishes to start the operation again from the selection ofoperational mode. However, it is difficult in the image formingapparatus disclosed in '831 Reference for the user to operate the imageforming apparatus smooth in such a situation. The reason is as follows.First, it is necessary to set in advance the screen image aftertransition to the auto reset mode to the menu screen image. Further, inorder to return to the menu image if the user is confused in operation,the user must wait without any operation until auto reset starts. Thisprevents smooth operation by the user of the image forming apparatus.

In order to avoid such a situation, an image forming apparatus having ahardware button forcing the screen image on the touch-panel display tomake a transition to the menu screen image has been known. Even in suchan apparatus, it is often the case that a large number of hardwarebuttons are arranged on the operation panel as in the case of '585Reference, and the user having difficulty in operation could beconfused, not knowing which hardware button should be pressed to returnto the menu image. In that case, the user who wishes to return to themenu screen image may take a long time for operation, or may make anerroneous operation.

As a solution to such a problem, it is possible to provide only onehardware button to return to the menu screen image on the operationpanel. In such an image forming apparatus, however, at least a powerbutton and a button to enter/return to the energy-saving mode, whichcannot be implemented by the software buttons displayed on thetouch-panel display, must be provided. Therefore, it is not practical toprovide only the hardware button to return to the menu screen image onthe operation panel. When a plurality of hardware buttons are providedon the operation panel, the problem that the user may be confused inselecting which hardware button to be pressed cannot be solved. Thisproblem is particularly significant if a large number of hardwarebuttons are provided in the vicinity of the touch-panel display.

Therefore, it is preferred to provide, in an electronic device and animage processing apparatus that operate in accordance with a useroperation, an operation console allowing the user to accurately selectand operate a hardware button receiving a request to make a transitionto the screen image displaying specific information, from among aplurality of hardware buttons provided in the vicinity of the displayunit.

The electronic device may be any device capable of operating in aplurality of operational modes, switched by a user operation. An exampleof the image processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus. Thescreen image to which the transition is made upon pressing the hardwarebutton is, for example, a screen image allowing selection of anoperational mode.

According to an aspect, the present invention provides an operationconsole used in relation to an apparatus as an object of controloperated by a user operation. The operation console includes: a displaydevice having a display area for displaying information to the user; aninput device for the user to input a request; and a display controldevice displaying, if a request for displaying specific information onthe display device is input through the input device, the specificinformation on the display device. The input device includes a pluralityof operation buttons for inputting a plurality of requests,corresponding to respective requests, arranged in the vicinity of thedisplay area of the display device, and among the plurality of operationbuttons, an operation button corresponding to the request for displayingthe specific information is provided closest to the display device.

The operation console is provided with a plurality of operation buttons(hardware buttons) as the input device, in the vicinity of the displayarea. If a user has difficulty in operation and wishes to have specificinformation displayed on the display device, the user inputs a requestto display the specific information, by operating a specific operationbutton among the plurality of operation buttons. The specific operationbutton is provided in the vicinity of the display area and closest tothe display area and, therefore, the user viewing the display area caneasily and accurately select the specific button from the plurality ofoperation buttons. Therefore, the user request can easily and accuratelybe input, and the specific information can be displayed on the displaydevice. Particularly, since the specific information (such as initialscreen image information, help information, or mode selectioninformation) can easily and accurately be displayed to the user havingdifficulty in operation, the user can avoid further trouble ordifficulty.

The operation console is provided on an apparatus as an object ofcontrol operating in an operational mode selected by a user operationfrom among a plurality of operational modes. The specific informationmay be mode selection information allowing selection of one operationalmode from the plurality of operational modes.

In this manner, if the user is making various settings in an operationalmode once selected, and has difficulty in operation and wishes torestart from the selection of operational mode, the user may have themode selection information displayed easily and accurately.

The shape of display area of the display device of operation console issubstantially a rectangle in landscape orientation. The operation buttoncorresponding to the request for displaying the specific information isprovided on a first area adjacent to one side of the rectangle, and theoperation buttons other than the operation button corresponding to therequest for displaying the specific information are provided on a secondarea adjacent to another side different from the one side. The operationbuttons provided on the second area may be larger in number than theoperation button or buttons provided on the first area. In the firstarea, in addition to the operation button corresponding to the requestfor displaying the specific information, a few operation buttonsincluding an operation button for operating power supply or/and anoperation button controlling energy saving, may be provided.

In the second area, buttons other than the operation buttoncorresponding to the request for displaying the specific information areprovided collectively. Since the plurality of operation buttons areprovided collectively, the flow line of user's fingertip does notwastefully move to the left/right or upward/downward. In the first area,only the operation button corresponding to the request for displayingthe specific information, or only a few operation buttons including theoperation button are provided (the number of few operation buttons hereis smaller than the number of operation buttons provided in the secondarea) and, therefore, the operation button corresponding to the requestfor displaying the specific information is highly noticeable. Thus,visibility to the user is improved and operability is also improved, sothat erroneous operation can be prevented.

The one side of the display area may be a shorter side of the rectangle,and another side may be the other shorter side of the rectangle.

The operation buttons are arranged in the vicinity of the display area,next to two shorter sides with the display device positionedtherebetween. Since positions where the operation buttons are arrangedare apart from each other, the operation buttons can be distinguishedfrom each other, and user operability is improved. Since there is onlyone or only a few operation buttons arranged in the first area, the usercan easily and accurately find the operation button corresponding to therequest for displaying the specific information.

The one side of the display area may be a longer side of the rectangle,and another side may be a shorter side of the rectangle.

In the first area adjacent to the longer side, the operation buttoncorresponding to the request for displaying the specific information andpossibly few other buttons are provided, while in the second areaadjacent to the shorter side, large number of other operation buttonsare provided. Specifically, the operation buttons are arranged in thevicinity of display area, adjacent to different sides. Since positionswhere the operation buttons are arranged are apart from each other, theoperation buttons can be distinguished from each other, and useroperability is improved. Since there is only one or only a few operationbuttons arranged in the first area (adjacent to the longer side of therectangle), the user can easily and accurately find the operation buttoncorresponding to the request for displaying the specific information.

The one side of the display area adjacent to the first area may be ashorter side of the rectangle, and another side may be a longer side ofthe rectangle.

The one side of the display area adjacent to the first area may be alonger side of the rectangle, and another side may be a shorter side ofthe rectangle.

Preferably, the shape of the operation button corresponding to therequest for displaying the specific information is a rectangle, and theoperation button corresponding to the request for displaying thespecific information is arranged with one side of the rectanglepositioned parallel to one side of the rectangle of the display area.

The operation button corresponding to the request for displaying thespecific information may be arranged adjacent to a first corner of therectangle of the display area, and the operation buttons provided on thesecond area may be arranged adjacent to a second corner diagonallyopposite to the first corner of the rectangle of the display area.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides anelectronic device provided with the operation console described above.According to a still further aspect, the present invention provides animage processing apparatus provided with the above-described operationconsole.

In the electronic device and the image forming apparatus, it is possiblefor the user to accurately select and operate the operation button forcausing a transition to a screen image allowing selection of anoperational mode of the electronic device or the image forming apparatus(image forming apparatus), from a plurality of operation buttons.

According to the present invention, in the electronic device and theimage forming apparatus operated by a user (operated, for example,switched among a plurality of operational modes), it is possible for theuser to accurately select and operate the hardware button receiving arequest to make a transition to the screen image displaying specificinformation (for example, a screen image allowing selection of anoperational mode), from a plurality of hardware buttons provided in thevicinity of the display unit.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the image formingapparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an operation unit of the image formingapparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an internal configuration of the imageforming apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a hardware configuration ofthe image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows display areas of a touch-panel display of the image formingapparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show exemplary screen images displayed on the touch-paneldisplay of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 8 to 13 are plan views of the operation units of the image formingapparatus in accordance with first to sixth modifications of theembodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, the same components are denoted by thesame reference characters. Their names and functions are also the same.Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention is an image forming apparatus as one type of image processingapparatuses. The display device in accordance with the present inventionmay be applicable to an image processing apparatus or an electronicdevice other than the image forming apparatus. The electronic device inaccordance with the present embodiment may be any apparatus having aplurality of operational modes and provided with an operation consolecapable of displaying a specific screen image (menu screen image (homescreen image), help screen image, initial screen image etc.), forswitching the operational mode, by pressing one hardware button among aplurality of hardware buttons. Here, the specific screen image displayedon the operation console is not limited to the home screen image.

The image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with the presentembodiment includes a touch-panel display allowing operation by thegesture operation method and the touch-operation method not using thegesture operation. The apparatus, however, may include a touch-paneldisplay allowing touch operation only. Alternatively, the apparatus mayinclude a display panel, capable of display only and not allowing anyoperation, and buttons for operation.

The image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet of recording paperby electro-photography. The image forming apparatus includes, asoperational modes, copy mode, FAX mode, document filing mode (a mode inwhich a scanned image is stored in a storage device in the image formingapparatus) and mail mode (a mode in which a scanned image is transmittedattached to an electronic mail). The image forming apparatus may furtherinclude network printer mode. The present invention is not limited tothe above, and it may be any image forming apparatus including at leasttwo of the four operational modes, that is, copy mode, FAX mode,document filing mode and mail mode, in which a home screen imageallowing selection of an operational mode is displayed on thetouch-panel display when a specific button among the plurality ofhardware buttons is pressed. Further, the printing method is not limitedto electro-photography.

Image Forming Apparatus: Function

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, an image forming apparatus 100 in accordancewith the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows anappearance of an image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 2 is a plan view ofan operation unit of image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 3 schematicallyshows an internal configuration of image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 4is a functional block diagram of image forming apparatus 100.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, image forming apparatus 100 includes adocument reading unit 102, an image forming unit 104, a paper feed unit106, a paper discharge unit 108 and an operation unit 120. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, operation unit 120 includes: a touch-panel display 130having a rectangular display surface of landscape orientation whenviewed from the front side of the apparatus; a right-side displayoperation unit 140R arranged on the right side of touch-panel display130; and a left-side display operation unit 140L arranged on the leftside of touch-panel display 130. Touch-panel display 130 includes adisplay panel 132 formed of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and atouch-panel 134 arranged on display panel 132, for detecting a positionpressed by the user's finger. Right-side display operation unit 140Rincludes a pilot lamp 142, a power key 144, an energy-saving key 146,ten keys 150, a clear key 152, a reset key 154, a stop key 156, and astart key 158. Left-side display operation unit 140L includes a home key148 for returning the display screen image on touch-panel display 130 toa home screen image for selection of an operational mode, a custom key160 for calling a customization process for changing the manner ofdisplay on touch-panel display 130, and a confirmation key 162 forinputting confirmation. The hardware buttons provided on image formingapparatus 100 are not limited to such hardware buttons (custom key 160,confirmation key 162 and the like).

As described above, image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with thepresent embodiment is provided with touch-panel display 130 as a mainoperation device, and, in addition, with right-side display operationunit 140R and left-side display operation unit 140L, including hardwarebuttons and a pilot lamp. The keys (power key 144, energy-saving key146, home key 148, ten keys 150, clear key 152, reset key 154, stop key156, start key 158) of right-side display operation unit 140R orleft-side display operation unit 140L are hardware buttons, in contrastto the software buttons realized by touch-panel display 130. It is notedthat image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to one having right-sidedisplay operation unit 140R and left-side display operation unit 140Lhaving such configurations. The right-side display operation unit 140Rand left-side display operation unit 140L may be any unit having aplurality of hardware buttons in the vicinity of touch-panel display130, in which a home screen image is displayed on touch-panel display130 (on which the home screen image has not been displayed), when homekey 148 among the plurality of hardware buttons is pressed. When theuser selects an operational mode using the home screen image displayedon touch-panel display 130, the display is switched to the initialscreen image in the selected operational mode. In the following,operational modes of image forming apparatus 100 as such will bedescribed.

Copy Mode

In the following, an operation in the copy mode will be described. Inthe copy mode, mainly document reading unit (also referred to as ascanner unit) 102 and image forming unit 104 operate.

In image forming apparatus 100, a document placed on a platen is read bydocument reading unit 102 as image data. The read image data is input toCPU 300 implemented, for example, by a microcomputer shown in FIG. 4.The image data is subjected to various image processing operations here,and the resulting image data is output to image forming unit 104.

Image forming unit 104 is for printing an image of the documentrepresented by the image data on a recording medium (in most cases, on asheet of recording paper). Image forming unit 104 includes aphotoreceptor drum 222, a charger 224, a laser scanning unit(hereinafter denoted as LSU) 226, a developer 228, a transfer device230, a cleaning device 232, a fixing device 234 and a neutralizer, notshown.

In image forming unit 104, a main feeding path 236 and a reverse feedingpath 238 are provided, and a sheet of recording paper fed from paperfeed unit 106 is fed along main feeding path 236. Paper feed unit 106draws out sheets of recording paper stacked on a paper feed cassette 240or on a manual feed tray 242 one by one, and feeds the sheet of paper tomain feeding path 236 of image forming unit 104.

While the sheet of recording paper is fed along main feeding path 236 ofimage forming unit 104, the sheet passes between photoreceptor drum 222and transfer device 230, and further passes through fixing device 234,whereby printing is done on the sheet of recording paper.

Photoreceptor drum 222 rotates in one direction, and its surface iscleaned by cleaning device 232 and the neutralizer and, thereafter,uniformly charged by charger 224.

LSU 226 modulates the laser beam based on the image data to be printed,and repeatedly scans the surface of photoreceptor drum 222 with themodulated laser beam in a main scanning direction, whereby anelectrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of photoreceptordrum 222.

Developer 228 develops the electrostatic latent image by supplying tonerto the surface of photoreceptor drum 222, and thus, a toner image isformed on the surface of photoreceptor drum 222.

Transfer device 230 transfers the toner image on the surface ofphotoreceptor drum 222 to the sheet of recording paper passing betweentransfer device 230 and the photoreceptor drum 222.

Fixing device 234 includes a heating roller 248 for heating the sheet ofrecording paper and a pressure roller 250 for pressing the sheet ofrecording paper. As the sheet of recording paper is heated by heatingroller 248 and pressed by pressure roller 250, the toner image that hasbeen transferred to the sheet of recording paper is fixed on the sheet.A heater is heated by electric power supplied to fixing device 234 andcontrolled such that temperature of heating roller 248 attains to anappropriate temperature for fixing. When operational mode is changed tothe energy-saving mode, power supply to the heater is, for example,stopped or reduced.

At a position of connection between main feeding path 236 and reversefeeding path 238, a separation pawl 244 is arranged. When printing isdone only on one side of the sheet of recording paper, separation pawl244 is so positioned that the sheet of recording paper fed from fixingdevice 234 is guided to paper discharge tray 246 or a paper dischargeunit 108.

When printing is done on both sides of the sheet of recording paper,separation pawl 244 is turned to a prescribed direction, so that thesheet of recording paper is guided to reverse feeding path 238. Thesheet of recording paper passes through reverse feeding path 238, turnedupside-down and again fed to main feeding path 236, and while it isagain fed along main feeding path 236, printing is done on its rearsurface, and thereafter the sheet is guided to paper discharge tray 246or to paper discharge unit 108.

The sheet of recording paper printed in the above-described manner isguided to paper discharge tray 246 or to paper discharge unit 108, anddischarged to paper discharge tray 246 or to any of paper dischargetrays 110 of paper discharge unit 108.

Paper discharge unit 108 may perform a process of sorting a plurality ofprinted sheets of paper to be output to different discharge trays 110, aprocess of punching each sheet of recording paper or a process ofstapling the sheets of recording paper. Assume that a number of copiesof the printing are to be prepared. In that case, sheets of recordingpaper are sorted and discharged to paper discharge trays 110 such thateach tray 110 contains each set of printed sheets, and the set ofprinted sheets in each tray 110 is stapled or punched.

Facsimile Mode

In the following, an operation in the facsimile mode will be described.In the facsimile mode, the transmission operation is realized mainly bythe operation of document reading unit (scanner unit) 102 and FAXcommunication unit 170, and the reception operation is realized mainlyby the operation of FAX communication unit 170 and image forming unit104.

Transmission Operation

In image forming apparatus 100, the facsimile mode is designated. Adocument placed on the platen is read by document reading unit 102 asimage data. The read image data is input to CPU 300 implemented, forexample, by a microcomputer shown in FIG. 4, the image data is subjectedto various image processing operations here, and the resulting imagedata is output to a FAX communication unit (FAX communication unit 170of FIG. 4).

FAX communication unit 170 of image forming apparatus 100 on thetransmitting side connects a designated transmitting side line to adesignated transmission destination. FAX communication unit 170 convertsthe image data to communication data in compliance with facsimiletransmission standard, and transmits the converted data to a facsimilemachine (such as an image forming apparatus 100 having the facsimilefunction) on the receiving side.

Communication Operation

When the line is connected, a FAX communication unit 170 of imageforming apparatus 100 on the receiving side detects a communicationrequest signal from FAX communication unit 170 of image formingapparatus 100 on the transmitting side, and transmits an acknowledgementsignal. Thereafter, by way of example, FAX communication units 170 onthe transmitting and receiving sides pass performance informationsupported by transmitting side and receiving side, determine highestpossible speed of communication and method of coding and code correctionof image data, and set the method of communication of modems. Then,using the image signal format in compliance with the communicationmethod, data is transmitted from FAX communication unit 170 of imageforming apparatus 100 on the transmitting side to the FAX communicationunit 170 of image forming apparatus 100 on the receiving side. Whentransmission ends, the line is disconnected.

Reception Operation

FAX communication unit 170 of image forming apparatus 100 on thereceiving side converts the received data to image data and passes thedata to an image forming unit 104. The received data may be converted toimage data at the image forming unit 104. The image forming unit 104prints an image of a document represented by the image data convertedfrom the received data on a sheet of recording paper, in a mannersimilar to the operation in the copy mode described above.

Document Filing Mode

In the following, an operation in the document filing mode will bedescribed. In the document filing mode, mainly document reading unit(scanner unit) 102 and image forming unit 104 operate.

In image forming apparatus 100, a document placed on the platen is readby document reading unit 102 as image data. The read image data is inputto CPU 300 and subjected to various image processing operations here.The resulting image data is stored in a storage device (hard disk drive302 as will be described later) provided in image forming apparatus 100.

The stored image data is read from the hard disk drive by the userdesignating the file name, and printed on a sheet of recording paper inthe similar manner as in the copy mode described above.

Mail Mode (Scan-to-Mail)

In the following, description will be given on an operation in the mailmode. In the mail mode, document reading unit (scanner unit) 102 andnetwork interface 304 mainly operate.

The image communication mode provided in image forming apparatus 100includes the facsimile mode in which image data is transmitted/receivedby public line through FAX communication unit 170, and the electronicmail communication mode (mail mode) in which the image data istransmitted/received by the Internet line in the form of an attachmentto an electronic mail, through network interface 304. Image formingapparatus 100 may further include Internet facsimile mode in which theimage data is transmitted/received by the Internet line through networkinterface 304, or image transfer mode (scan-to-PC folder) in which theimage data is transferred to a folder of a specific personal computer(PC) using a network line.

In image forming apparatus 100, a document placed on a platen is read bydocument reading unit 102 as image data. The read image data is input toCPU 300, and subjected to various image processing operations here. Theresulting image data is transmitted, attached to an electronic mail.

Different from the facsimile mode in which a telephone number oftransmission destination is designated, a mail address of thetransmission destination is designated in the mail mode.

Image Forming Apparatus: Control Block Configuration

Referring to FIG. 4, image forming apparatus 100 further includesoperation unit 120, which allows setting of functions related to thecopy mode, facsimile mode, document filing mode and mail mode; ROM (ReadOnly Memory) 306, which stores programs and the like; a hard disk drive(hereinafter denoted as HDD) 302, which is a non-volatile storage areacapable of storing programs and data even when power is cut off; and anRAM (Random Access Memory) 308, which provides a storage area when aprogram is executed.

Image forming apparatus 100 further includes: a bus 310 connected todocument reading unit 102, image forming unit 104, FAX communicationunit 170, operation unit 120, ROM 306, HDD 302, and RAM 308; and CPU 300connected to bus 310, executing a program or programs for realizinggeneral functions as the image forming apparatus.

HDD 302 stores files of image data of documents scanned by image formingapparatus 100, folder by folder, together with date and time of savingand name of the user who saved. Further, HDD 302 stores initial screenimage data of each operational mode.

ROM 306 stores programs and data necessary for controlling operations ofimage forming apparatus 100. The initial screen image data of eachoperational mode may be stored as data to be stored together with theprogram in ROM 306. CPU 300 controls image forming apparatus 100 inaccordance with the programs and data stored in ROM 306, and executescontrol related to various functions of image forming apparatus 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, a public line is connected fortransmitting/receiving image data, to FAX communication unit 170 ofimage forming apparatus 100. To network interface 304, a network line isconnected. To the network line, a computer or the like using imageforming apparatus 100 as a network-supported printer may be connected.To the network line, a computer or the like identified by a URL (UniformResource Locator) designated through the Internet may be connected. Whenconnected to the Internet, image forming apparatus 100 can obtainnecessary information through the Internet.

RAM 308 provides a function of a working memory for temporarily storingresults of operations and processes by CPU 300, and a function of aframe memory for storing image data.

CPU 300 controls document reading unit 102; image forming unit 104;touch-panel display 130, right-side display operation unit 140R andleft-side display operation unit 140L forming operation unit 120; ROM306; HDD 302; and RAM 308; by executing a prescribed program orprograms. Operation unit 120 communicates with CPU 300 through aninput/output interface (not shown).

Operation unit 120 includes a plate-shaped panel provided in an inclinedmanner to be easily viewable by the user. On a surface of operation unit120, touch-panel display 130 is provided on the central area. On theright side of touch-panel display 130, right-side display operation unit140R (pilot lamp 142 and power key 144, energy-saving key 146, ten keysand the like as hardware buttons) is arranged, and on the left side oftouch-panel display 130, left-side display operation unit 140L (home key140, custom key 160 and confirmation key 162) is arranged. Touch-paneldisplay 130, right-side display operation unit 140R and left-sidedisplay operation unit 140L are integrated and as a whole, formoperation unit 120.

As described above, touch-panel display 130 is formed of display panel132 and touch-panel 134 arranged on display panel 132. On display panel132 of touch-panel display 130, a home screen image allowing selectionof an operational mode of image forming apparatus 100, current state ofimage forming apparatus 100, status of destination designation, andstatus of job processing are displayed. On a display area of displaypanel 132, selection buttons as software buttons are displayed. When aportion where the selection button is displayed is pressed, the pressedposition is detected by the touch-panel 134. By comparing the displayposition of the selection button and the position where the touch-panel134 is pressed using a program, selection of an operational mode,setting of a function, and instruction of an operation of image formingapparatus 100 become possible. In addition to such a touch operation(command input operation based on the position of pressing by the user),image forming apparatus 100 also allows gesture operation (command inputoperation based on trajectory of operation by the user) as describedabove.

Pilot lamp 142 of right-side display operation unit 140R is, forexample, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). It is turned on/off/flickeredunder the control of CPU 300. When the user presses power key 144provided separate from a main power switch, image forming apparatus 100makes a transition from a standby mode (operational mode in which, forexample, only the FAX receiving operation is possible with the mainpower on) to a normal mode, in which every operational mode of imageforming apparatus 100 is usable. In this state, pilot lamp 142 is turnedand kept on. If a predetermined time passes without any user operationon image forming apparatus 100, or if the user presses energy-saving key146, image forming apparatus 100 makes a transition from the normal modeto the energy-saving mode. In the energy-saving mode, only some of theoperational modes of image forming apparatus 100 can be used. In thisstate, pilot lamp 142 flickers. Further, if the user pressesenergy-saving key 146 in the energy-saving mode, the image formingapparatus 100 makes a transition from the energy-saving mode to thenormal mode. Home key 148 is a hardware key for returning the display oftouch-panel display 130 to the initial state (home screen image). Theprocesses performed when power key 144, energy-saving key 146 and homekey 148 are pressed are not limited to the above.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, planar arrangement of operation unit 120will be described in detail. Most part of the upper surface of operationunit 120 serves as the display area of rectangular touch-panel display130. On the right, shorter side of touch-panel display 130, right-sidedisplay operation unit 140R is provided and on the left, shorter side oftouch-panel display 130, left-side display operation unit 140L isprovided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the appearance of home key 148 has the followingcharacteristics: (1) it is arranged closer to touch-panel display 130;and (2) it has a rectangular shape in portrait orientation. Home key 148may preferably made integral with the box portion covering touch-paneldisplay 130. Further, the size of home key 148 (area projected on theupper surface of operation unit 120) may be made larger than otherhardware buttons.

Because of the characteristic shape (2), the length of that portion ofhome key 148 which is adjacent to the shorter side of touch-paneldisplay 130 can be made longer, and hence integrity with the touch-paneldisplay 130 can be enhanced. Specifically, assuming that the displaysurface of touch-panel display 130 is in the landscape orientation whenviewed from the front side of the apparatus, if home key 148 is providedon the left or right side of touch-panel display 130, home key 148 isadapted to have a rectangular shape in portrait orientation. In thisarrangement, one longer side of the rectangle of home key 148 comes nextto a shorter side of touch-panel display 130. If home key 148 isprovided on the upper or lower side of touch-panel display 130, home key148 is adapted to have a rectangular shape in landscape orientation. Inthis arrangement, one longer side of the rectangle of home key 148 comesnext to a longer side of touch-panel display 130. This enhancesintegrity with touch-panel display 130. An approach to enhance integrityis to design a member (a box, a line, or a member of rugged surfacesurrounding peripheral edges of touch-panel display 130) such that it isarranged around the peripheral edge of rectangular touch-panel display130 and protruded near home key 148, to enclose home key 148. By such adesign, oneness of touch-panel display 130 and home key 148 caneffectively be appealed to the user, relation between the devices(display device and operation device) is recognized, and hence, pressingof home key 148 is encouraged.

Further, the entire upper surface of operation unit 120 is of achromaticcolor (black). This is preferred since the state of pilot lamp 142indicating the status of image forming apparatus 100 is easilyrecognizable, for example, in the energy-saving mode. Particularly iftouch-panel display 130 is of a large size, measures to save energy isimportant and, therefore, at least power key 144 and energy-saving key146 are provided separately as hardware buttons, so that the apparatuscan be set to the standby state not allowing any operation. Since it isimpossible to supply power partially to the display area of touch-paneldisplay 130 (to partially render conductive), touch-panel display 130turns black without any display in the energy-saving mode. In thisrespect, since the panel body of the upper surfaces of touch-paneldisplay 130 and operation unit 120 is all black, pilot lamp 142 isbetter noticed.

Planar arrangement of home key 148 and other keys (power key 144,energy-saving key 146, ten keys 150 and the like) will be described. Asshown in FIG. 2, distance D (1) between home key 148 and touch-paneldisplay 130 is shorter than distance D (2) between ten keys 150 or resetkey 154, which is closest to the touch-panel display 130 among otherkeys, to touch-panel display 130. Specifically, among the plurality ofhardware buttons (keys), home key 148 is arranged closest to touch-paneldisplay 130.

Though not limiting, as shown in FIG. 2, in image forming apparatus 100,the outer edge of ten keys 150 to the side of touch-panel display 130and the outer edge of reset key 154 to the side of touch-panel display130 are aligned.

In hardware buttons (power key 144, energy-saving key 146, start key 158and the like) of right-side display operation unit 140R and in hardwarebuttons (home key 148 and the like) of left-side display operation unit140L, a key lamp or key lamps, which is turned on/off or turnedon/off/flickered under the control of CPU 300, may be embedded. By wayof example, the key lamps provide a light ring on the edge of a circularkey, or the key lamp lights a central portion of the key. The key lampis turned on at a timing when hardware buttons are allowed to be used asthe operation device (at a timing when a process is executed if thehardware button is used).

Image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with the present embodimentincludes the four operational modes (copy mode, facsimile mode, documentfiling mode and mail mode) as described above. On touch-panel display130, software buttons for setting functions in respective operationalmodes are displayed, and buttons for setting a destination or a previewas an expected image, for example, are displayed as needed.

In different operational modes, different screen images are displayed ontouch-panel display 130. In order to allow the user to easily find arequired piece of information even in such a state, touch-panel display130 is divided into a plurality of areas (with the size of each areamade variable), and pieces of information are displayed in these areas.More specifically, in image forming apparatus 100, if an operationalmode is selected on the home screen image of touch-panel display 130provided as a main display operation device, the initial screen image ofeach operational mode is displayed. The initial image has the followingcharacteristics.

(1) The basic layout is such that the screen image is divided into fiveareas (“system area,” “function selecting area,” “preview area,” “actionpanel area,” and “task trigger area”) and arranged appropriately.Therefore, by a user operation starting from an upper left portion to alower right portion, easy setting is possible. The reason for this isthat the flow lines of the user's viewpoint and finger tip are similarto those in a conventional device not provided with such a largetouch-panel display 130.

(2) Concepts of the pieces of information displayed on respective onesof the five areas are common among different operational modes, so thatsmooth operation by the user without any confusion becomes possible evenin different operational modes.

In the following, the arrangement of basic layout will be described.

Basic Layout Arrangement

FIG. 5 shows a basic layout on touch-panel display 130 of image formingapparatus 100. Referring to FIG. 5, the basic layout oflandscape-oriented touch-panel display 130 (for example, of 1024pixels×600 pixels) includes: system area 1000 arranged at the uppermostportion; preview area 3000 arranged at the center of the screen image;function setting/confirmation area 2000 (hereinafter referred to asfunction selecting area 2000) placed on the left side of preview area3000; action panel area 4000 placed on the right side of preview area3000; and task trigger area 5000 placed on the lower right side ofpreview area 3000. The number of areas is not limited to five, thearrangement on the left and right sides is not limited to the above, andthe layout may be customized to facilitate user operation. For instance,system area 1000 may be positioned at the lowermost portion of thescreen image.

On system area 1000, pieces of information related to the currentstatus, title of the operational mode that is being selected, and stateof image forming apparatus 100 are displayed. By way of example, onsystem area 1000, an operational mode name, an interruption key, alog-in user name, status of a currently processed job, state of use ofan internal memory, time and the like are displayed.

On function selecting area 2000, a function selection menu (icons,buttons and the like) operated by the user for setting each function,switching display and confirming setting, is displayed. The manner ofdisplay of function selecting area 2000 is changed depending on whetherit is in an icon mode, a regular mode or an express mode. In the iconmode, only the icons for setting functions are displayed in functionselecting area 2000, so as to ensure the widest preview area 3000. Inthe express mode, a large screen image allowing setting of functions atone time is displayed in function selecting area 2000, while previewarea 3000 is made the smallest. In the regular mode, the size of previewarea 3000 is medium size between that in the icon mode and that in theexpress mode. In function selecting area 2000, function names aredisplayed in text, together with the icons for setting functions.

Switching among the icon mode, regular mode and express mode is donebased on an operation by the user. Specifically, the size of previewarea 3000 is changed in accordance with the user's operation. Sinceicons can transmit pieces of information to the user in a small area, itis preferred to prepare icons for all functions, so as to allow displayof preview area 3000 in a large size.

At a lower portion of function selecting area 2000, a group of changebuttons 2010 are provided, for changing style of display of functionselecting area 2000. Among the group of change buttons 2010, providedare: an icon mode entering button 2012 for displaying function selectingarea 2000 in the icon mode; a “favorite” button 2014 for displayingfunctions registered as “favorites”; a check button 2016 for displayinga function of which setting has been changed; a list button 2018 fordisplaying a list of all functions that can be set in the selectedoperational mode; a regular mode entering button 2020 for displayingfunction selecting area 2000 in the regular mode; and an express modeentering button 2022 for displaying function selecting area 2000 in theexpress mode.

If a large amount of information is to be displayed on functionselecting area 2000, pieces of information are displayed in anupward/downward scrollable manner. In that case, the group of changebuttons 2010 are not scrolled but constantly displayed at the lowermostportion of function selecting area 2000.

In preview area 3000, an image of expected document output (finishedform) is displayed. Specifically, an image is displayed using dummy dataor scanned data. Every time the user designates the manner of finish,the image displayed on preview area 3000 changes. Preview area 3000 hastwo display modes, that is, a virtual mode before scanning, in whichfinished form of a dummy image is displayed, and a scan-in mode afterscanning, in which finished form of the actual image is displayed. Thevirtual mode has two types, that is, before setting an original documentand after setting an original document.

At a lower portion of preview area 3000, a group of preview changingbuttons 3010 are arranged, for changing the style of display of previewarea 3000. Among the group of preview changing buttons 3010, providedare: a left-turn button 3016 for turning the preview 90 degrees to theleft; a right-turn button 3018 for turning the preview 90 degrees to theright; and a zoom bar 3020. In addition to these buttons, a colorchanging button 3012 and preview operation button 3014, for example, areprovided.

When left-turn button 3016 is touch-operated once, the preview is turned90 degrees to the left, and when touch-operated twice, the preview isturned 180 degrees to the left. Similarly, when the image of finisheddocument displayed on the preview area is gesture-operated (when thedocument image is rotated 90 degrees or 180 degrees counterclockwise byone's finger), the preview is turned 90 degrees or 180 degrees to theleft.

When right-turn button 3018 is touch-operated once, the preview isturned 90 degrees to the right, and when touch-operated twice, thepreview is turned 180 degrees to the right. Similarly, when the image offinished document displayed on the preview area is gesture-operated(when the document image is rotated 180 degrees clockwise by one'sfinger), the preview is turned 180 degrees to the right.

When a plus button 3020A of zoom bar 3020 is touch-operated or if bar3020C is gesture-operated (slid) to the side of plus button 3020A, thepreview is displayed in an enlarged size. Similarly, when the image offinished document displayed on the preview area is gesture-operated(when the document image is pinched-out/pinched-open by finger tips),the preview is displayed in an enlarged size.

When a minus button 3020B of zoom bar 3020 is touch-operated or if bar3020C is gesture-operated (slid) to the side of minus button 3020B, thepreview is displayed in a reduced size. Similarly, when the image offinished document displayed on the preview area is gesture-operated(when the document image is pinched-in/pinched-close by finger tips),the preview is displayed in a reduced size.

If the number of pages of the document image to be displayed on previewarea 3000 is large, a display page selection button (a page number inputbutton, page feed button, page return button, single page displaybutton, plural page display button or the like) that can betouch-operated may be displayed. Page feed and page return of thepreviewed document is also possible by a gesture-operation (flick) ofthe document image. If the document image displayed on preview area 3000is large, a scroll bar that can be touch-operated or gesture-operatedmay be displayed.

On action panel area 4000, pieces of information related to assistance,guidance and suggestion related to the operation are displayed. Onaction panel area 4000, if, for instance, a user selects a specificfunction, functions related to the selected function may be displayed,other functions related to the selected function in object-orientedmanner may be displayed, or functions selected in the past by the useror a user of a group to which the user belongs in relation to theselected function may be displayed as “recommended functions.”

On task-trigger area 5000, trigger items operated by the user toactually operate image forming apparatus 100 when all settings are donefor the operational mode are displayed. By way of example, a startbutton (software button) is displayed for starting a process. In anoperational mode involving printing (other than facsimile transmission),information related to run out of consumables is also displayed on the“task trigger area,” since it leads to a task failure.

Here, it is preferred to display the start button only when the stateallows pressing of the start button. The state that allows pressing ofthe start button refers to a state in which all settings have been done,and consumables (recording paper and toner) are available, in theoperational mode involving printing. In the facsimile mode(transmission) as an operational mode not involving printing, it is astate in which settings of all transmission parameters including adestination have been done.

The positions where these five areas are arranged are not changed evenwhen the operational mode is changed (not changed in the initial screenimage of any operational mode). Similar to the switched display in theicon mode/regular mode/express mode of function selecting area 2000 (andpreview area 3000), the size of each area is changed, reduced/enlargedin the lateral direction (longitudinal direction) of touch-paneldisplay.

These five areas are arranged in consideration of the flow line ofuser's viewpoint and the flow line of user's operation, in addition tothe user interface of conventional devices. With such an arrangement,the user's viewpoint moves from upper left to lower right, and the useroperation (finger tip of the dominant hand) moves from upper left tolower right. This advantageously enables a user-friendly operation.

For making a transition from one operational mode to another, home key148 is pressed, to select another operational mode on the home screenimage. In this manner, the operational mode is switched through the homescreen image.

As described above, image forming apparatus 100 is provided withtouch-panel display 130 on which the home screen image is displayed whenhome key 148 is pressed by the user. Such a display process is realizedby software executed by using the hardware configuration describedabove.

Basically, no matter what screen image is displayed on touch-paneldisplay 130, if it is detected that home key 148 is pressed, CPU 300 ofimage forming apparatus 100 executes the program of displaying the homescreen image on touch-panel display 130. CPU 300 executes, in parallelwith the program, a program for realizing general functions of an imageforming apparatus. The program, however, is not directly related to thecharacteristic portion of the present invention and, therefore, detailsthereof will not be described here. It is also possible to change themanner of control of image forming apparatus 100 (particularly, themanner of control related to the display of touch-panel display 130) bypressing home key 148 for a long time or by pressing the key twice.

Operation

The operation of image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with thepresent embodiment based on the configuration and flowchart as abovewill be described with reference to the exemplary displays ontouch-panel display 130 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Home Screen Image Display Operation

When the user presses power key 144 of image forming apparatus 100, thewarm-up screen image is displayed on touch-panel display 130 untilwarm-up is complete. At this time, it is preferred that image formingapparatus 100 prepares pieces of information that can be displayed evenduring system check and useful for the user who is going to use imageforming apparatus 100, and that the warm-up screen image including suchpieces of information is displayed on touch-panel display 130.

When warm-up is complete, the home screen image is displayed ontouch-panel display 130. At this time, on touch-panel display 130, ahome screen image 6000 such as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. On homescreen image 6000, not all of the five areas of the layout describedabove are displayed. As shown in FIG. 6, on home screen image 6000,icons (icons representing operational modes) allowing selection of anoperational mode are displayed on most part of touch-panel display 130,regardless of the five areas. The number of icons to be displayed onhome screen image 6000 may be customized, for example, in three stages,of “large,” “middle” and “small.”

Referring to FIG. 6, home screen image 6000 includes a home system area6100 corresponding to the system area described above, an icon displayarea 6200, an icon display switching tub-button 6300, and a memo displayarea 6400.

On home system area 6100, an area 6102 displaying an icon representingthe home screen image, an area 6104 displaying the name of the displayedscreen image, an area 6106 displaying the logged-in user name, an area6108 displaying a log-out button (software button), and an area 6110displaying the current time, are arranged.

On icon display area 6200, icons 6210-6274 representing operationalmodes are displayed together with the names or abbreviations of theoperational modes. The name or abbreviation of the operational mode isnot indispensable. In the present embodiment, there are at least fouroperational modes (copy mode, facsimile mode, document filing mode, andmail mode). Therefore, an icon 6242 for selecting the copy mode, an icon6232 for selecting the facsimile mode, an icon 6254 for selecting thedocument filing mode and an icon 6240 for selecting the mail mode aredisplayed on icon display area 6200. In FIG. 6, icons for selectingother operational modes, icons for selecting other setting modes (forexample, system setting and language setting), and icons for displayingother screen images (for example, job status) are also displayed.

As shown in FIG. 6, in icon display area 6200, icons on the centralcolumn (for example, icons 6240, 6242 and 6244) are displayed largerthan icons on the left and right sides thereof (for example, icons 6230and 6250 with respect to icon 6240, icons 6232 and 6252 with respect toicon 6242, and icons 6234 and 6254 with respect to icon 6244). In icondisplay area 6200, icons at the central row (for example, icons 6232,6242 and 6252) are displayed larger than icons on the upper and lowersides thereof (for example, icons 6230 and 6234 with respect to icon6232, icons 6240 and 6244 with respect to icon 6242, and icons 6250 and6254 with respect to icon 6252). In this manner, in icon display area6200, the icons are displayed to be horizontally and verticallysymmetrical in size, with the size being the largest at the center(center at the central column).

When the user makes a flick operation to the left with his/her finger onicon display area 6200 displayed on the screen of touch-panel display130, icons displayed on the screen move as if they flow in the directionindicated by an arrow 6010. When the user makes a flick operation to theright, icons displayed on the screen move as if they flow in thedirection indicated by an arrow 6020. The distance of movement isdetermined, for example, in accordance with the width of movement of thefinger tip in the flick operation. The distance of movement may be aprescribed distance set in advance for one flick operation. If a mannerof display in which a plurality of icons are arranged on a virtualcylinder is adopted for icon display area 6200, it becomes possible todisplay the icons in an endless manner.

On memo display area 6400, a piece of maintenance information or thelike to be notified to every user of image forming apparatus 100 isdisplayed.

Operation of Displaying Initial Screen Image of Copy Mode

If icon 6242 shown in FIG. 6 is touched, tapped or double tapped by thefinger tip of a user, it is determined that the operational mode isselected. If the selected operational mode is the copy mode, the initialscreen image of copy mode is displayed on touch-panel display 130. Byway of example, an initial screen image 7100 for the copy mode shown inFIG. 7 is displayed on touch-panel display 130. As shown in FIG. 7, copymode initial screen image 7100 is divided into five areas of the layoutdescribed above, on which pieces of information are displayed.

Referring to FIG. 7, on system area 1000 of copy mode initial screenimage 7100, an area 1102 indicating the selected operational mode (here,copy mode), an area 1104 displaying sub information related to theselected operational mode, an area 1106 displaying the logged-in username, an area 1108 displaying a log-out button (software button), anarea 1110 displaying the job status of the currently executed job, anarea 1112 displaying a button related to the job status (softwarebutton), an area 1114 displaying the communication state, and an area1116 indicating the current time, are arranged.

In area 1102, a name and/or icon representing the operational mode isdisplayed. It is preferred that if area 1102 is touched, tapped ordouble-topped, a menu showing operational modes is pulled-down, allowingswitching of the operational mode (the same applies to other operationalmodes).

In area 1104, an interruption key (software button) is displayed as subinformation. If the interruption key is touched, tapped ordouble-tapped, an interruption process can be executed in the copy mode.

In area 1106, job status of the currently executed job is indicated byan icon. If the job status is touched, tapped or double-tapped, detailedinformation of job status is displayed. Further, it is preferred todisplay a button or the like to stop the selected job in area 1112.

In function selecting area 2000 of copy mode initial screen image 7100,a function selection menu allowing selection by the user in the copymode and the group of change buttons 2010 described above are displayed.In the screen image shown in FIG. 7, the function selection menu isdisplayed in the regular mode.

As shown in FIG. 7, the function selection menu displayed in the regularmode includes a group of icons 2100 and a group of texts 2120. In thefunction selection menu displayed on function selecting area 2000,displayed are: an icon 2102 for setting the number of copies, and a text2122 showing the set contents; an icon 2104 for setting color mode, anda text 2124 showing the set contents; an icon 2106 for setting copydensity, and a text 2126 showing the set contents; an icon 2108 forsetting copy magnification, and a text 2128 showing the set contents; anicon 2110 for setting document type, and a text 2130 showing the setcontents; an icon 2112 for setting paper type, and a text 2132 showingthe set contents; an icon 2114 for image edition, and a text 2134showing the set contents; and an icon 2116 for layout edition, and atext 2136 showing the set contents.

As described above, further items on the function setting menu may bedisplayed in upward/downward scrollable manner, with the displayposition of group of change buttons 2010 fixed. It is possible to switchthe items displayed on the function setting menu including the itemshidden at the upper or lower portion and not displayed, either by thetouch-operation (scroll operation) or gesture-operation (upward/downwardflick operation).

Here, image edition refers to image edition of one page of document. Alower layer menu thereof includes frame erasure, print menu, watermark,user stamp and the like. The layout edition refers to image edition of aplurality of pages of the document. The lower layer menu thereofincludes page collection, margin, page movement, centering and the like.The lower layer menu of the displayed function selection menu appears ontouch-panel display 130 if any of icons 2102 to 2116 or texts 2122 to2136 is touched, tapped or double-tapped.

In preview area 3000 of copy mode initial screen image 7100, an image ofexpected document output (finished form) 3100 and the group of previewchange buttons 3010 described above are arranged. Here, image 3100 isdisplayed using dummy data or scanned data. Every time the user changesthe function setting menu of function selecting area 2000, image 3100 ischanged and displayed on preview area 3000 (preview display is changed).

In action panel area 4000 of copy mode initial screen image 7100, piecesof information related to assistance, guidance and suggestion related tothe copy operation are displayed. As shown in FIG. 7, recommendedfunctions in the copy mode selected by the user are displayed. In actionpanel area 4000, an area 4100 showing the contents of displayedinformation, and areas 4102 to 4106 showing, as texts, the recommendedfunctions and serving as software buttons are arranged.

When area 4102 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, detailed informationof energy-saving copy is pulled-down and displayed. Here, a softwarebutton allowing transition to a function setting screen image fordouble-sided copy is displayed, together with a text message of, forexample, “double-sided copy saves paper.” At the same time, a softwarebutton allowing transition to a function setting screen image for pagecollection is displayed, together with a text message of “collectiveprinting of pages saves paper.” Further, a software button allowingtransition to a function setting screen image for saddle stitch isdisplayed, together with a text message of “printing for bookbindingavailable.”

In task trigger area 5000 of copy mode initial screen image 7100, agroup of execution buttons 5100 is displayed. The group of executionbuttons 5100 include: a scan-in key 5102 (software button) for operatingimage forming apparatus 100 to scan a document and obtain image data; aclear all key 5104 (software button) for clearing set function orfunctions; a monochrome start key 5106 (software button) for operatingimage forming apparatus 100 to scan a document and start copying inblack and white; and a color start key 5108 (software button) foroperating image forming apparatus 100 to scan a document and start colorcopying. Monochrome start key 5106 or color start key 5108 displayed ontask trigger area 5000 has a function equivalent to that of start key158, and clear all key 5104 displayed on task trigger area 5000 has afunction equivalent to that of clear key 152. Therefore, only thesoftware button or hardware button may be provided. Image formingapparatus 100 in accordance with the present embodiment has bothsoftware buttons and hardware buttons to attain these functions.

On copy mode initial screen image 7100 having pieces of informationdisplayed on five divided areas, the user inputs various requests.Though the operational mode is not limited to the copy mode, afterselecting an operational mode, it is possible that the user hasdifficulty in operation in the process of inputting requests in theoperational mode. In such a situation, the user may wish to have thedisplay on touch-panel display 130 to the home screen image and to startagain from the selection of operational mode. If the user so wishes,he/she may simply press home key 148 provided on operation unit 120.Here, it is possible for the user to easily find the home key 148provided as integral part of touch-panel display 130.

When home key 148 is pressed by the user, the display makes a transitionfrom the screen image of FIG. 7 to the screen image of FIG. 6. Here, thesetting (for example, the number of copies set to 10 on the screen imageof FIG. 7) made by that time by the user may or may not be saved. If itis saved, after transition of the screen image from FIG. 7 to FIG. 6,when icon 6242 shown in FIG. 6 is touched, tapped or double-tapped bythe user's finger, the initial screen image of the copy mode appears ontouch-panel display 130, and the saved setting is displayed.

Effects

As described above, in the image forming apparatus in accordance withthe present embodiment, the home key for switching the display on thetouch-panel display to the home screen image allowing selection of anoperational mode is provided to have integrity with the touch-paneldisplay. Specifically, the home key is (1) arranged closer to thetouch-panel display than other hardware buttons (power key,energy-saving key, ten keys, clear key, reset key, stop key, start keyand the like), and (2) adapted to have a rectangular shape in portraitorientation (while the touch-panel display is in landscape orientation).Because of such a shape, arrangement and structure of the home key, thetouch-panel display and the home key are integral and, hence, the userwho wishes to have the display on touch-panel display returned to thehome screen image can easily find the home key. Therefore, operabilityof home screen display required by the user can be improved.

First Modification

Next, referring to FIG. 8, a first modification of the image formingapparatus in accordance with the present embodiment will be described.The image forming apparatus in accordance with the present modificationdiffers from the embodiment above (FIG. 2), in the arrangement of powerkey 1144, energy-saving key 1146 and home key 1148 on operation unit1120. Except for these points, the modification and the embodiment aboveare the same and, therefore, detailed description thereof will not berepeated here.

As shown in FIG. 8, operation unit 1120 has only a home key 1148 havinga rectangular shape in portrait orientation provided on the left side oftouch-panel display 130, and distance D (1) between home key 1148 andtouch-panel display 130 is shorter than distance D (2) between ten keys150 or reset key 154, which is closest to the touch-panel display 130among other keys, to touch-panel display 130. Specifically, among theplurality of hardware buttons (keys), home key 1148 is arranged closestto touch-panel display 130 and, in addition, on the left side oftouch-panel display 130, only the home key 1148 is arranged. It is notedthat, in the image forming apparatus in accordance with the presentmodification, the custom key and the confirmation key are realized bysoftware buttons displayed on touch-panel display 130.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus in accordance withthe present modification, the home key for switching the display oftouch-panel display to the home screen image allowing selection of anoperational mode is provided to be integral with the touch-paneldisplay, as a sole hardware button on one side of the touch-paneldisplay. Therefore, the user can easily find the home key.

Second Modification

In the following, referring to FIG. 9, a second modification of theimage forming apparatus in accordance with the present embodiment willbe described. FIG. 9 showing the image forming apparatus in accordancewith the present modification corresponds to FIG. 2 or FIG. 8 describedabove. The image forming apparatus in accordance with the presentmodification has an operation unit 2121. Operation unit 2121 does nothave custom key 160 and confirmation key 162. Further, operation unit2121 does not have clear key 152, stop key 156 or start key 158, either.Except for these points, the modification and the embodiment above arethe same and, therefore, detailed description thereof will not berepeated here.

As shown in FIG. 9, operation unit 2121 has only a home key 2148 havinga rectangular shape in portrait orientation provided on the left side oftouch-panel display 130, and distance D (1) between home key 2148 andtouch-panel display 130 is shorter than distance D (2) between ten keys2150 or reset key 2154, which is closest to the touch-panel display 130among other keys, to touch-panel display 130. Specifically, among theplurality of hardware buttons (keys), home key 2148 is arranged closestto touch-panel display 130 and, in addition, on the left side oftouch-panel display 130, only the home key 2148 is arranged. Further,right-side display operation unit 2140R and home key 2148 are arrangedon a diagonal of touch-panel display 130. Specifically, home key 2148 isarranged on an upper end on the left side of touch-panel display 130,while right-side display operation unit 2140R is arranged next to thelower end of right side of touch-panel display 130. In the example ofFIG. 9, right-side display operation unit 140R and home key 2140 arepositioned such that among the keys of right-side display operation unit2140R, one closest to the upper end of touch-panel display 130 has itsupper end positioned lower than the lower end of home key 2140.

Though the arrangement is as shown in FIG. 9, it is also possible tohave right-side display operation unit 2140R positioned on the upperright side and home key 2148 positioned on the lower left side. Thearrangement may be reversed and home key 2148 may be arranged on theright side. It is noted that, in the image forming apparatus inaccordance with the present modification, the custom key, confirmationkey, clear key, stop key and start key are realized by software buttonsdisplayed on touch-panel display 130.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus in accordance withthe present modification, the home key for switching the display oftouch-panel display to the home screen image allowing selection of anoperational mode is provided to be integral with the touch-paneldisplay, as a sole hardware button on one side of the touch-paneldisplay. Further, it is arranged on a diagonally opposite side withrespect to the group of other hardware buttons, with the rectangulartouch-panel display positioned therebetween. Therefore, the user caneasily find the home key.

Third Modification

In the following, a third modification of the image forming apparatus inaccordance with the present embodiment will be described with referenceto FIG. 10. FIG. 10 showing the image forming apparatus in accordancewith the present modification corresponds to FIG. 9 described above. Inan operation unit 3120 of the image forming apparatus in accordance withthe present modification, home key 3148 and a right-side displayoperation unit 3140R as a group of hardware buttons are arranged alignedat the same height. In the example shown in FIG. 10, home key 3148 andright-side display operation unit 3140R are arranged such that thecentral positions are aligned with the center of the shorter side oftouch-panel display 130. Except for these points, the presentmodification and the second modification above are the same and,therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here. Thepositions of home key 3148 and right-side display operation unit 3140Rmay not be aligned with the center of shorter side of touch-paneldisplay 130, and these may be arranged upper than or lower than thatposition.

As shown in FIG. 10, operation unit 3120 has only a home key 3148 havinga rectangular shape in portrait orientation provided on the left side oftouch-panel display 130, and distance D (1) between home key 3148 andtouch-panel display 130 is shorter than distance D (2) between ten keys3150 or reset key 3154, which is closest to the touch-panel display 130among other keys, to touch-panel display 130. In addition, on the leftside of touch-panel display 130, only the home key 3148 is arranged.Further, right-side display operation unit 3140R and home key 3148 arearranged at the same height, with touch-panel display 130 positionedtherebetween.

The present invention, however, is not limited to such an arrangement ofkeys. The right-side display operation unit 3140R may be positioned onthe left side and home key 3148 may be positioned on the right side. Itis noted that, in the image forming apparatus in accordance with thepresent modification, the custom key, confirmation key, clear key, stopkey and start key are realized by software buttons displayed ontouch-panel display 130.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus in accordance withthe present modification, the home key for switching the display oftouch-panel display to the home screen image allowing selection of anoperational mode is provided to be integral with the touch-paneldisplay, as a sole hardware button on one side of the touch-paneldisplay. Further, it is arranged aligned at the same height with respectto the group of other hardware buttons, with the rectangular touch-paneldisplay positioned therebetween. Therefore, the user can easily find thehome key.

Fourth Modification

In the following, a fourth modification of the image forming apparatusin accordance with the present embodiment will be described withreference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 showing the image forming apparatus inaccordance with the present modification corresponds to FIG. 10described above. In an operation unit 4120 of the image formingapparatus in accordance with the present modification, a home key 4148is positioned adjacent to the lower left corner of touch-panel display130 from the lower side. A right-side display operation unit 4140R ispositioned adjacent to the upper right corner at the position diagonallyopposite to the lower left corner of touch-panel display 130, from theright side. Except for these points, the present modification and thethird modification above are the same and, therefore, detaileddescription thereof will not be repeated here.

As shown in FIG. 11, operation unit 4120 has only a home key 4148 havinga rectangular shape in landscape orientation provided on the lower sideof touch-panel display 130, and distance D (3) between home key 4148 andtouch-panel display 130 is shorter than distance D (2) between ten keys4150 or reset key 4154, which is closest to the touch-panel display 130among other keys, to touch-panel display 130. Specifically, among theplurality of hardware buttons (keys), home key 4148 is arranged closestto touch-panel display 130 and, in addition, on the lower side and leftside of touch-panel display 130, only the home key 4148 is arranged.

The present invention, however, is not limited to such an arrangement ofkeys. The right-side display operation unit 4140R may be positioned onthe left side and home key 4148 may be positioned on the lower rightside, or right-side display operation unit 4140R may be positioned onthe left side and home key 4148 may be positioned on the upper rightside. It is noted that, in the image forming apparatus in accordancewith the present modification, the custom key, confirmation key, clearkey, stop key and start key are realized by software buttons displayedon touch-panel display 130.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus in accordance withthe present modification, the home key for switching the display oftouch-panel display to the home screen image allowing selection of anoperational mode is provided to be integral with the touch-paneldisplay, as a sole hardware button on one side of the touch-paneldisplay. Further, the home key and the group of other hardware buttonsare arranged at positions adjacent to two different sides of therectangular touch-panel display. Therefore, the user can easily find thehome key.

Fifth Modification

In the following, a fifth modification of the image forming apparatus inaccordance with the present embodiment will be described with referenceto FIG. 12. FIG. 12 showing the image forming apparatus in accordancewith the present modification corresponds to FIG. 8 described above. Inan operation unit 5120 of the image forming apparatus in accordance withthe present modification, a home key 5148 is positioned adjacent to theupper left corner of touch-panel display 130 from the left side, alongthe shorter side of touch-panel display 130. A right-side displayoperation unit 5140R is positioned adjacent to the lower right corner atthe position diagonally opposite to the upper left corner of touch-paneldisplay 130, from the lower side. Except for these points, the presentmodification and the first modification above are the same and,therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

As shown in FIG. 12, operation unit 5120 has only a home key 5148 havinga rectangular shape in portrait orientation provided on the left side oftouch-panel display 130. Distance D (1) between home key 5148 andtouch-panel display 130 is shorter than distance D (4) between ten keys4150, which are closest to the touch-panel display 130 among other keys,to touch-panel display 130. In addition, on the lower side and left sideof touch-panel display 130, only the home key 5148 is arranged.

The present invention, however, is not limited to such an arrangement ofkeys. The right-side display operation unit 5140R may be positioned onthe lower left side and home key 5148 may be positioned on the upperright side. It is noted that, in the image forming apparatus inaccordance with the present modification, the custom key, confirmationkey, clear key, stop key and start key are realized by software buttonsdisplayed on touch-panel display 130.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus in accordance withthe present modification, the home key for switching the display oftouch-panel display to the home screen image allowing selection of anoperational mode is provided to be integral with the touch-paneldisplay, as a sole hardware button on one side of the touch-paneldisplay. Further, the home key and the group of other hardware buttonsare arranged at positions adjacent to two different sides of therectangular touch-panel display. Therefore, the user can easily find thehome key.

Sixth Modification

In the following, a sixth modification of the image forming apparatus inaccordance with the present embodiment will be described with referenceto FIG. 13. FIG. 13 showing the image forming apparatus in accordancewith the present modification corresponds to FIG. 8 described above. Inan operation unit 6120 of the image forming apparatus in accordance withthe present modification, a home key 6148 is positioned adjacent to theupper left corner of touch-panel display 130 from the upper side, alongthe longer side of touch-panel display 130. A right-side displayoperation unit 6140R is positioned adjacent to the lower right corner atthe position diagonally opposite to the upper left corner of touch-paneldisplay 130, from the upper side along the longer side. Except for thesepoints, the present modification and the first modification above arethe same and, therefore, detailed description thereof will not berepeated here.

As shown in FIG. 13, operation unit 6120 has only a home key 6148 havinga rectangular shape in landscape orientation provided on the upper leftside of touch-panel display 130. Distance D (5) between home key 6148and touch-panel display 130 is shorter than distance D (4) between tenkeys 5150, which are closest to the touch-panel display 130 among otherkeys, to touch-panel display 130. In addition, on the upper side andleft side of touch-panel display 130, only the home key 6148 isarranged.

The present invention, however, is not limited to such an arrangement ofkeys. The right-side display operation unit 5140R may be positioned onthe lower left side and home key 6148 may be positioned on the upperright side. It is noted that, in the image forming apparatus inaccordance with the present modification, the custom key, confirmationkey, clear key, stop key and start key are realized by software buttonsdisplayed on touch-panel display 130.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus in accordance withthe present modification, the home key for switching the display oftouch-panel display to the home screen image allowing selection of anoperational mode is provided to be integral with the touch-paneldisplay, as a sole hardware button on one side of the touch-paneldisplay. Further, the home key and the group of other hardware buttonsare arranged at positions adjacent to two different sides of therectangular touch-panel display. Therefore, the user can easily find thehome key.

Modification Common to the Embodiment and All Modifications

In the description above, the home key is provided not on the same sideas the power key and/or energy-saving key. As shown in FIG. 2, the homekey is provided on the same side as the custom key or confirmation key,or as shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, it is provided alone. The home key,however, may be provided on the same side as the power key and/orenergy-saving key. Even in that case, however, it is desirable to limitthe number of keys to only a few on the side of home key, so as toprevent confusion of the user caused by too many keys. Further, amongthese keys, the home key is arranged closest to the touch-panel display.

In the foregoing description and in the figures showing the touch-paneldisplay, the member arranged around the touch-panel display is designedto protrude near the home key to enclose the home key. The presentinvention, however, is not limited to include such a member.

The embodiments as have been described here are mere examples and shouldnot be interpreted as restrictive. The scope of the present invention isdetermined by each of the claims with appropriate consideration of thewritten description of the embodiments and embraces modifications withinthe meaning of, and equivalent to, the languages in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An operation console used in relation to anapparatus as an object of control operated by an operation of a user,comprising: a display device having a display area for displayinginformation to the user; an input device for the user to input arequest; and a display control device displaying, if a request fordisplaying specific information on said display device is input throughsaid input device, said specific information on said display area;wherein said input device includes a plurality of hardware operationbuttons for inputting a plurality of requests, corresponding torespective requests, arranged in an area adjacent to an outer perimeterof said display device; said operation console is used in relation to anapparatus as an object of control operating in an operational modeselected by an operation of a user from among a plurality of operationalmodes; said specific information is mode selection information allowingselection of one operational mode from among two or more modes of a copymode, a FAX mode, a document filing mode and a mail mode; the shape ofsaid display device is a rectangle; one hardware mode operation buttonfrom among the plurality of hardware operation buttons for inputting therequest for displaying said specific information is provided on a firstarea adjacent to one side of said rectangle; the hardware operationbutton or buttons including the one hardware mode operation buttonprovided on said first area are smaller in number than the hardwareoperation buttons provided on at least one of three second areas eachbeing adjacent to one of three sides other than said one side; said modeselection information includes icons respectively corresponding to saidtwo or more modes; and of said icons, one that is displayed on saiddisplay area is switched to a different icon in accordance with a useroperation.
 2. The operation console according to claim 1, wherein saiduser operation is an operation on said display area.
 3. The operationconsole according to claim 1, wherein said user operation is anoperation of causing said icon displayed on said display area to move toleft/right direction.
 4. The operation console according to claim 1,wherein information for a user is displayed below said specificinformation, on said display area.
 5. The operation console according toclaim 1, wherein a pilot lamp is provided on said at least one area. 6.The operation console according to claim 1, wherein the hardwareoperation buttons provided on said at least one area includes at leasttwo selected from a group consisting of a ten-key, a start key forinstructing a start of a process in the selected operational mode, and astop key for stopping said process.
 7. The operation console accordingto claim 6, wherein said one side is a shorter side of said rectangle.8. An image processing apparatus provided with the operation consoleaccording to claim 1.